Funding application workshops scheduled for watermen, aquaculturists

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science Marine Extension Program is now accepting applications for funding as part of the Virginia Fishery Resource Grant Program (VFRGP). All grant applications must be postmarked no later than January 14, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

Those interested in learning more about the grant and how to put together an application are invited to attend one of two workshops. The first workshop will be held Tuesday, December 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Director's Conference Room at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester Point, VA. Due to a recent fire at VIMS' Eastern Shore Laboratory, the second workshop will be held this year at the Eastern Shore Community College in Melfa, VA, in classroom 150 on Wednesday, December 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funding may be used to develop

new fisheries equipment and gear,

environmental pilot studies,

aquaculture/mariculture, and

seafood technology and utilization.

Qualified applications must significantly involve members of the commercial seafood industry.

The Request for Proposal and application materials are available on the web at www.vims.edu/adv/frg. Individuals without web access can contact Dianne Roberts at 804-684-7173. No registration is necessary to attend either workshop.